travelling with kids

What better way to bond with your family than by living your dreams together?

​Our consultants all have children of their own, so we know that there is a lot more involved then travelling solo! From what to pack in your suitcase, to how to occupy a child on a plane... these tips will assist in making your family trip stress-free. Our combined knowledge and expertise of all things TRAVEL, plus our compassionate "motherly" side means you are in the best hands for your next family holiday!​​

General Suggestions

If travelling by plane, ask for bulkhead seats or seats near an exit to give your child a safe spot to play on the floor.

Choose appropriate accommodation, such as self-contained apartments with two or more bedrooms.

Hire baby furniture items, such as pram, stroller, cot and high chair, rather than lug your own.

Use disposable rather than cloth nappies.

When visiting attractions with older children, try the 'trade-off' method - activities for adults in the morning, balanced with activities for the kids after lunch.

Make sure there will be enough family events and child-oriented activities to keep them amused while away.

Use any babysitting facilities at your hotel from time to time so you can have a break.

Remember that the price of 'children's clubs' at some resorts is an extra expense.

Older children will like having their own (disposable) camera and 'holiday diary' so they can record their own impressions.

Plane - airlines can arrange bassinettes for infants. Try to feed your baby or child while taking off and landing, as the frequent swallowing can help prevent the build-up of pressure inside the ears. Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to reduce the risk ofdehydration.

Remember that children have short attention spans and get tired very quickly.

See your doctor about vaccinations beforehand, if appropriate.

Pack sunscreen, hats and insect repellent.

Be particularly vigilant about the potential dangers of unfamiliar places, such as unfenced swimming pools or balconies.

Avoid animals such as dogs, cats and monkeys to reduce the risk of bites.

Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to reduce the risk of dehydration.

Take toys that don’t take up too much luggage space – like books, pencils and drawing or colouring books, and handheld computer games.

Younger children will like having their favourite ‘security’ toy on the flight.

Ask flight attendants for playing cards or colouring books and pencils, which many airlines supply free to young passengers.

Older children may enjoy a trip to the flight deck. Ask your flight attendant.

Ear pain in children when flying

The change in cabin pressure during aeroplane take-off and, in particular, during descent and landing can hurt a child’s ears. Swallowing eases the pressure, but the trick is getting your child to swallow at the right time.

Suggestions include:

Try to feed your baby or child while taking off and landing.

Give your child something to drink or eat.

If your child isn’t thirsty or hungry, give them lollies (if they are old enough).

Drops that numb the eardrum (Auralgan) can ease the pain. You can buy these without a prescription.

Motion Sickness

The symptoms of motion sickness include blanching, headache, dizziness, complaints of feeling sick and - ultimately - vomiting. Motion sickness can occur on any mode of transport but is more likely to strike when travelling by boat. Suggestions to reduce the risk of motion sickness include:

When travelling by car, arrange for frequent rest stops.

Make sure your child looks out the window, rather than at a stationary object inside thevehicle (such as a book).

Fresh air can help, so open a window if possible.

Anti-nausea medications are available, but check with your doctor first as some drugs may not be suitable for children.

Unfamiliar meal routines

Toddlers and young children are notoriously fussy eaters; travelling to unfamiliar places with new foods and different mealtime routines can further disrupt your child's eating habits. Suggestions include:

Relax and remember that a healthy child will never voluntarily starve themselves. Trust them to eat when they're hungry.

If flying, arrange in advance for children's meals.

Try to keep a little bit of familiar mealtime routine, such as having breakfast in the usualway.

Don't assume you'll always find something they'll like on a restaurant menu. Carry plentyof their favourite snacks and drinks when touring around

Travellers Diarrhoea

Children with travellers' diarrhoea are susceptible to dehydration. Suggestions to reduce the risk of travellers' diarrhoea include: